AA claims control of Buthidaung: sources

By Admin 17 May 2024

DMG Newsroom
18 May 2024, Buthidaung

The Arakkha Army (AA) seized all junta bases and military camps in Buthidaung Township, Arakan State, on the night of May 17, according to reliable sources.

The ground battle is currently intense as the AA is pursuing the fleeing junta soldiers, and the regime is fighting back with airstrikes and artillery support.

“The AA took control of two military regiments and a junta tactical command base in Buthidaung on Friday night, but some junta soldiers managed to flee from their camps. Some regime soldiers managed to escape from the captured military camps and are being hunted down. The regime is carrying out airstrikes on the AA positions,” a reliable source told DMG on Saturday morning.

Buthidaung Township is home to the 15th Military Operations Command and eight light infantry battalions — 345, 352, 353, 535, 551, 552, 564, and 565 — as well as three infantry battalions — 233, 234 and 263 — and artillery battalion 378.

The AA has thus far seized the 15th Military Operations Command and Light Infantry Battalion Nos. 551, 552, 564, 565, 511, 345 and 352 in Buthidaung Township from March 25 to May 13.

“The AA fighters reportedly raised their own flag in downtown Buthidaung. Some residential areas were reduced to ashes during the fighting and we are investigating the names of residential areas. The regime is still dropping bombs on Buthidaung,” said a local resident in Buthidaung.

Homes in some neighbourhoods of Buthidaung were reportedly on fire at press time, and DMG continues to investigate the damage. The entire Buthidaung town was burned to the ground on Saturday morning, NUG’s Deputy Minister of Human Rights U Aung Kyaw Moe wrote on his Facebook.

DMG’s calls to U Khaing Thukha, spokesman for the AA to seek comment on the Buthidaung fighting, went unanswered.

The regime and the AA have also been fighting fiercely in Maungdaw, Ann and Thandwe townships. Since launching its offensive in November, the AA has seized Pauktaw, Rathedaung, Ponnagyun, Kyauktaw, Mrauk-U, Minbya, Myebon and Ramree townships in Arakan State, and Paletwa Township in neighbouring Chin State.